Foreign Minister Westerwelle has promised the Sudanese government assistance in dealing with the flood disaster. In cooperation with Welthungerhilfe e.V., the Federal Foreign Office is currently preparing to provide 450,000 euros worth of humanitarian assistance to help with emergency relief. The aid supplies include tents, blankets, cooking utensils, water canisters and mosquito nets.

Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in parts of theSudansince the beginning of August. More rain is expected in the coming weeks. According to the initial estimations of international organizations, more than 150,000 people are affected. InKhartoumalone 26,000 houses have collapsed.

German humanitarian aid for theSudanthis year totals around 3.1 million euros so far. In addition to food aid and measures in the field of health, the assistance focuses on improving the basic living conditions of refugees, internally displaced persons and nomads.

Humanitarian Aid

Natural catastrophes and military conflicts have, in recent years, led to a steady increase in the number of people around the world who are dependent upon humanitarian assistance. A functioning international humanitarian system is therefore gaining ever greater importance.